The Alexa Revolution: Alexa Skills Development

Xavier Portilla Edo · Vicente Gerardo Guzmán Lucio

Xavier Portilla Edo

About this ebook

In 2018, approximately 100 million voice-controlled devices were installed in homes around the world. The assistants that control them, such as Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant are becoming more powerful, with new features being added every day. Voice apps enhance the way users interact with these assistants, whether they are asking for the weather, requesting sports scores, or listening to music. This book will guide you through designing, building, and deploying voice-based apps for Alexa. Inside, you'll meet and learn how to develop your own Skills, the term Amazon has designated voice apps for Alexa. Everything from scratch, so you don't have to worry if you are not a developer, i.e. no previous programming knowledge is required. Once we have mastered the basics, we will delve into the flow of conversation and more advanced concepts.

About the author

Xavier Portilla is originally from Valencia, where he got his degree in Computer Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Valencia. He is a software developer with more than 6 years of experience. He currently works as a Technical Leader with a background in different sectors, from health to the industrial sector. Learning, researching, innovating and teaching about the latest technologies, as well as collaborating both in new start-ups and with the largest companies in the world are aspects that are part of his DNA. 

Vicente Guzmán is originally from Guanajuato, but considers himself as a globetrotter. He is a Computer Systems Engineer and has a degree in Computer Science. In addition, he was awarded as Alexa Champion in 2020. He is the only Mexican with such recognition, granted by Amazon Corp. He currently works as a consultant for several national private companies, as well as for governmental institutions. Additionally, he is a frequent lecturer at technology events in various Latin American countries.